Sakari: “My dream of being a flagship at the Olympics, but it was destroyed because of my relationship”

A complaint was made by the Maria Sakkari in everything to do with the Olympics and the promise to be a flag beside the Giannis Antetokounbos.

The Greek tennis player spoke to “The Second Serve”, stressing that this dream – in the end – did not come true as everything was “destroyed because of her relationship, for political reasons”.

In detail what Sakari said

“People around the world have different kinds of problems, and this is probably nothing for someone. But for me, I’m a very proud Greek woman. So when I grew up, being a flagship of my country was my number one dream. So when they called me that I would be next to Yannis Antetokounbos, I said, “Wow, this is the biggest thing that has ever happened in my career.

So it was difficult. I think my injury was really … Okay, it was excessive, physically. And also mentally, I was just overwhelmed. I couldn’t stand it. I was unhappy in Paris. I hated every minute. And you are supposed to be at the biggest celebration of sports and you are simply there, unhappy. I just couldn’t. Yes, it was difficult. And I believe that politics must stay out of sports. There are athletes who vote one or the other party – it doesn’t matter why they represent the country, regardless of their beliefs. So it was difficult. And to be honest, it was very difficult for everyone around me and my family. I think it still hurts me a lot, but we’ll see. I will see for Los Angeles, but I have to play a lot, very well to have the opportunity to get the flag again. It won’t be easy, for sure. “

On whether he received explanations from the EEA:



“Not exactly. And to be honest, I don’t want it. With the previous president who phoned me and told me that I was chosen, we are still in touch. It really supports me. And I knew a lot of people who really supported me. Obviously, I know why the decision changed at the last minute: there was a vote against me – something that has never happened, but never in history. ”



What is it like to be in the politics world through her partner?



“We are not so involved. He also tries to leave me out of this world, which I really appreciate. But obviously I know – and I want to know – what’s going on in the world. Not only in Greece, but because I am a tennis player, I do not want to limit my knowledge. And his family supports me and everyone- they are amazing people. They love me so much and I love them too. I see them as his parents. I don’t see his father as prime minister- I see him as his father. And I see how good they were with me and how kind. And that’s all I keep for myself- nothing else, nothing more. But it is exciting because it is at the External Services School of Georgetown University, so it is also nice to have someone who does not deal with tennis in your life, believe me. So, I am very pleased with where I am in my personal life and I am very proud of the job he does. ”



For the racing situation in which it is:



“Obviously, I have been in a better position. But I’m glad I’m healthy- this is the most important thing. It took a few years to get injured. My first injury happened to my 29th. So this is partly good, but on the other hand, it was difficult to accept things after returning from an injury. My position in the ranking obviously fell- I have to bring it back to where it was. Not only because I want to go back to the top 10, but also because I have bad draws because I’m not a seeded. I’m not tall enough to avoid these players in the first rounds. But at the same time, if you want to get away in a tournament, you should beat these players whichever round it is. So it was difficult. But at the same time, it was also very nice that we got some time license. You know how hectic it is. Just living a normal life and not traveling every week – it was amazing. Obviously, my tennis at the beginning of the season was not good. I had high expectations, but I realized very soon that it would take time. So I feel very good in the last few weeks. So I think it will come. It will just take a while yet. But I’m positive. I’m healthy. I feel good. I’m happy. So this is the most important thing. ”



For how easy it is for her position to not rank her mood:



“Well, I think you are going through two phases, I have to be honest. You go through this phase when you see the draws and you see this big number next to your name. But on the other hand, you think about how many good players have been there, so many players who had much more injuries and had to do it again and again. As I talked to Paula Bandas a few times earlier this year, and said to me, “Maria, what did you think, that you would just come back and play as you played before?” So talking to players who had similar situations – or worse – gave me a lot of hope. Because I feel like doing the right things. It is not that I do not train or that I do not eat well or that I do not recover. I do all the right things. I believe it will come. And if he writes 50, 60, 80 next to my name, it doesn’t matter. I just have to accept it. ”